[Chapter 594: The Oscars]
On March 21st, the 69th Academy Awards ceremony took place at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles.
Although James Cameron was reluctant to halt filming, he had no choice but to grant Linton and Kate Winslet two and five days off, respectively.
Originally, he planned to give both Linton and Kate just two days off so they could travel together. But the problem was: facing the Oscars -- by far the most influential red carpet event worldwide -- as a rising star just shy of top-tier status, how could Kate not return early to prepare?
Even if she didn't care personally, the many brands she represented wouldn't agree. She had to appear on the Oscar red carpet in flawless condition, wearing the latest designs they endorsed. And considering the need for coordinating different brands and outfits, three or four days were a must.
In the end, Cameron had no choice but to grant Kate five days off. She flew back to Los Angeles by private jet on the 15th.
Linton's case was different. As the top-tier superstar with very few endorsements, the only concerns were Armani outfits and his Tissot watch. He didn't need elaborate preparations and only flew back to Los Angeles by private jet on the morning of the 20th.
Though Linton wasn't nominated for an Oscar himself, he was once again invited by the Academy to present an award -- this time the prestigious Best Actress honor.
...
By 3 p.m. on March 21st, a long red carpet was laid out across the plaza in front of Los Angeles' Shrine auditorium hall. Dozens of female stars arrived, each showcasing their unique charm -- whether graceful, radiant, elegant, sultry, or even provocatively stunning. Every one of them was giving their all, flaunting the perfect image on the red carpet.
The crowd roared like a tidal wave, and camera flashes fired relentlessly from the media.
Among all the dazzling celebrities, the ones who drew the most media and public attention, lighting up the red carpet, were Linton's enchanting angels.
As the grand finale of the red carpet, Linton appeared in a sharp Armani suit, effortlessly dashing as he linked arms with Madonna and Catherine Zeta-Jones -- the two leading contenders for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. The three of them commanded the crowd's full attention.
The plaza erupted in cheers, whistles, and screams. Photographers unleashed a barrage of flashes, creating a blinding white glow.
As the trio reached the end of the carpet, reporters swarmed, thrusting microphones toward them, eager for answers.
"Madonna, do you feel confident you'll take home Best Actress?"
"Catherine, do you think your chances are good?"
Madonna and Catherine, seasoned veterans, handled the questions with ease and poise.
"Of course I'm confident," Madonna said, "but ultimately, it depends on the judges' recognition."
Unexpectedly, a paparazzo fired a blunt question at Linton: "Linton, you've walked the red carpet the past three years as a date for nominees for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. When will you make your move for Best Actor?"
The crowd instantly fell silent. Madonna and Catherine, each holding onto Linton's arms, tensed subconsciously, shooting daggers with their eyes at the bold questioner.
The paparazzo's question was audacious -- an embarrassing jab at Linton. But with so many eyes on the red carpet, Madonna and Catherine worried he might lose his composure and say something inappropriate, playing right into the paparazzo's plan.
Yet Linton remained calm. Glancing at the interviewer's badge from the gossip tabloid Louise Evening News, he responded smoothly,
"I've always starred in straightforward popcorn commercial films, which aren't really Oscar material. I didn't even submit myself for consideration. But everyone knows I'm currently working with James Cameron on Titanic. Please look forward to my performance -- I hope to make a breakthrough at next year's Oscars."
The reporters erupted in surprise. Wasn't Titanic supposed to be a guaranteed flop? How could he be so confident? Microphones were thrust closer.
"Linton, are you saying Titanic is an art film?"
"Linton, is the $300 million Titanic a total commercial gamble?"
Linton ignored the questions, escorting Madonna and Catherine into the reception hall.
It was clear the moment and questions would be headline fodder the next day, drawing much ridicule. But in a way, the incident served as free publicity for Titanic.
Still, the paparazzo and the Louise Evening News behind him would warrant investigation -- the hope being he was just chasing headlines.
...
At 6 p.m., the awards ceremony officially began in the Shrine auditorium.
As expected, Chicago dominated, winning eight Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress, emerging as the ceremony's biggest winner.
Madonna took home Best Actress for her role as Roxie Hart.
Catherine won Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Velma Kelly.
No one expected what happened when Madonna made her acceptance speech. She simply said, "Linton, thank you for everything you've done for me. I love you so much."
The audience erupted in astonishment, whistles, and cheers. Inside, many other actresses silently cursed her jealousy-inducing words. Paparazzi, meanwhile, were ecstatic -- this was explosive material.
Even more provocative was to come. According to the organizers' schedule, Linton was to present Madonna's award.
As Madonna accepted the golden statue from Linton's hand, she immediately threw herself into his arms, clutching his neck and planting a passionate kiss, showering the entire audience with PDA.
The crowd went wild, the applause, screams, and cheers threatening to rip the roof off.
The paparazzi erupted with excitement backstage, and so did the Oscar committee -- they laughed openly. Linton and Madonna's public show of affection was sure to boost ratings through the roof.
...
After the ceremony, knowing they had to return to the Mexican set the next day, Linton and his group skipped the Oscar after-party, opting to return early to their estate.
Housekeeper Amy had already prepared a sumptuous dinner. Though they hadn't put much effort into Oscar preparations, everyone was famished; by the time they arrived home, they were practically starving.
After a simple meal, they took turns admiring the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress trophies, their gazes warming toward Linton.
For three consecutive years, Linton had proven with action that he could secure the Oscar stage not just for himself, but for all his women.
Madonna and Catherine, ecstatic, hurried their sisters upstairs to change, ready props, and prepare for the night's party.
Tonight was destined to be yet another sleepless, unforgettable night.
...
Online, discussions about the Oscars were ablaze -- almost everyone's attention focused on three hot topics.
Number one was Madonna's public confession of love and passionate kiss with Linton on the stage.
Number two was Linton's bold declaration about targeting next year's Best Actor award with Titanic.
Number three was why Madonna deserved to win Best Actress.
On Yahoo forums alone, these topics each garnered over five million comments.
The next day, nearly all media outlets reporting on the Oscars mentioned these three points, dominating entertainment headlines.
...
Madonna's and Catherine's commercial value surged further. Though Madonna was already a mega-star at the pinnacle of her career, her endorsement fees continued to climb.
Catherine successfully upgraded from a rising star to a top-tier Hollywood actress, with increases in both salary and endorsements.
Another big win from the Oscars was the North American box office turnaround. Chicago, which had hit a slump and was playing in just over 400 theaters, expanded to over 1,200 screens after the ceremony.
Box office revenue jumped from $1.51 million the day before to $4.76 million.
The Oscar buzz also energized overseas markets, with expanded releases and growing international box office.
By ceremony day, Chicago's North American box office had topped $165 million, with over $120 million overseas.
Final worldwide gross was expected to surpass $340 million.
For a musical, these numbers were explosive, especially considering the niche audience and a total production and marketing budget of only around $60 million.
*****
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